Framed White House Letter Signed by Gerald R. Ford

This item is a historical document consisting of a formal letter on official White House stationery, dated September 2, 1975. The letter is addressed to Mr. Dave Swanson of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and features the blue printed letterhead of 'THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON'. The content expresses President Gerald R. Ford's appreciation for Mr. Swanson's assistance during a recent presidential visit to Milwaukee, specifically mentioning coordination with the press and the motorcade. The document is signed 'Gerald R. Ford' in black ink; given the era and nature of White House correspondence, this likely represents an autopen signature or a secretarial version, common for routine thank-you notes of the period. The paper shows visible signs of age including horizontal and vertical fold lines, light foxing, and minor rippling, indicating it was mailed before being framed. It is presented in a double-matted display featuring a greenish-grey textured top mat with a gold-toned inner border. The frame is a dark-stained wood with a thin green paint accent along the inner lip. The frame shows significant wear, including scuffs and loss of finish on the right edge. This piece represents a piece of 1970s American political memorabilia and presidential history.